The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

Keith Rabois, Managing Director at Khosla Ventures and a veteran venture investor, returns to discuss his recent transition from Founders Fund. He shares what he missed about Khosla and compares the investing styles of both firms. Rabois also highlights the significance of price sensitivity, lessons learned about liquidity, and the importance of founder-investor compatibility. Delving into the future, he reflects on balancing career challenges with family life and offers insights into the evolving dynamics of venture capital.

Join Ed Sim, Founder of Boldstart Ventures, and Jamin Ball, Partner at Altimeter Capital, as they dissect the future of investing in 2024. They reveal the three critical mistakes growth investors often make and debate whether Figma has reshaped the M&A landscape. Discover what it takes for companies to go public, including essential growth metrics. Additionally, they explore upcoming IPOs, the dynamics of private company acquisitions, and the evolving role of AI in venture capital. Pure insights from seasoned experts!

Kyle Samani, co-founder of Multicoin Capital, and Nick Tomaino, founder of 1confirmation, dive into the intersection of crypto and politics ahead of the 2024 elections. They discuss the aftermath of the FTX scandal, questioning if investors should have seen the red flags. The guests ponder whether Trump’s potential impact on crypto could lead to legislative cronyism and explore the future of NFTs and the shifting landscape of investment motivations within the crypto realm. A lively debate on the evolution from speculation to sustainable economic empowerment ensues.

Jason Lemkin, Founder of SaaStr and a leading SaaS investor, discusses the venture capital landscape as we approach 2024. He reflects on 2023's standout companies like OpenAI and addresses growing concerns about early-stage funding. The conversation delves into predictions on IPOs, with major players potentially going public, and the state of the M&A market. Lemkin also highlights the impact of political changes on startups and the challenges new VCs may face, especially amidst a turbulent funding climate.

Dave Powers is the President and CEO of Deckers Brands, renowned for leading the Hoka and UGG footwear lines. He discusses the remarkable rise of Hoka from a $1.1M acquisition to a booming $1.4BN powerhouse, revealing the strategic insights that fueled its success. Powers shares lessons from overcoming UGG's struggles, including the impact of Oprah's endorsement and the brand's efforts to reclaim its identity. With reflections on balancing corporate culture and consumer loyalty, he provides valuable insights into navigating the fast-paced world of fashion and footwear.

Join Gustav Söderström from Spotify, Scott Belsky from Adobe, and Tomer Cohen from LinkedIn as they explore how AI is reshaping product design and development. They discuss why AI has become the central product, the evolving role of user interfaces, and the shift in workforce dynamics required in an AI-first world. The trio debates the balance between model diversity and data quality, while also touching on the ethical considerations of AI usage. Emphasizing the opportunities AI presents, they highlight the necessity for continuous learning in adapting to this new landscape.

Peter Lacaillade, Managing Director at SCS Financial Services, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital. He believes now is an ideal moment to invest in emerging managers for superior returns. Lacaillade discusses common traits of successful VCs and the importance of building strong relationships with LPs. He also unveils his barbell portfolio strategy, balancing investments between established franchises and new players. Throughout, he reflects on lessons learned from past mistakes and the critical dynamics of fund management.

Davis Smith, Founder and former CEO of Cotopaxi, shares his remarkable journey from selling pool tables to scaling a $150M outdoor apparel brand. He reveals how overcoming 100 investor rejections shaped Cotopaxi's trajectory. Davis delves into the impact of his childhood experiences on his entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges of aligning values with business missions, and the importance of purpose in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for new financial products to support long-term goals and the balance between integrity and impact in business.

Steve Goldberg, Chief Revenue Officer at Salesloft, shares his sales expertise honed from leading roles at top companies. He dives into the psychology behind sales, emphasizing relationship-building and understanding customer dynamics. Steve reveals strategies for closing deals swiftly, highlights the evolving landscape of selling to CFOs, and stresses the critical role of Revenue Operations in scaling success. He also discusses the importance of ensuring renewals and fostering trust in client relationships for sustained growth.

Sam Corcos, Co-founder and CEO of Levels, shares insights into successful fundraising strategies and the critical role of investor meetings. He emphasizes the value of taking as many VC meetings as possible, revealing common missteps founders make. Corcos advocates for theatrical pitches while also highlighting the importance of genuine communication. He discusses how to leverage investors effectively, forge valuable relationships, and the impact of post-IPO operators as angels. His journey reflects on balancing risk, team dynamics, and the unpredictability of entrepreneurship.